ARDADELDALI - Komodo

Ardaledali is one of those sites that just feels right, a genuinely atmospheric wreck dive in Komodo. We love how the historical context adds another layer to the experience; knowing it was a WWII Japanese motor vessel just before it was scuttled in 1944 gives you a moment of pause. The wreck itself sits upright, mostly intact, starting around 18 metres down. You can still make out the superstructure, and the bow and stern are pretty well-defined. What really gets us about Ardaledali is the way the marine life has completely taken over. Big schools of snapper swirl around the mast, and we’ve seen some hefty groupers lurking in the cargo holds. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the deck plating, they’re surprisingly plentiful here. Our favourite bit is exploring the engine room – it’s tight, but the light filtering through the hull creates some fantastic visuals. Visibility can be a bit variable, so we’d suggest going in the morning before any currents stir things up too much. It’s a comfortable dive for anyone with some wreck experience; no major penetrations needed, but plenty to poke around in.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.435555, 119.301940
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ARDADELDALI

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
grounding

Resting in the shallows of the world-renowned Komodo National Park, the Ardadeldali is an enigmatic wreck whose specific history is largely lost to time. Given its location and type, it was likely a local Indonesian motor vessel used for transport or fishing that fell victim to the region's notoriously powerful currents and submerged reefs. Breaking the surface at low tide, the wreck serves as a stark reminder of the navigational challenges in these beautiful but treacherous waters. Today, what remains of the Ardadeldali is being reclaimed by nature. It has become a budding artificial reef, offering a fascinating snorkeling and shallow diving experience. The skeletal remains of the hull provide a unique habitat for juvenile reef fish seeking shelter, while new coral colonies are beginning to encrust its surfaces, slowly blending the man-made structure into the vibrant marine landscape of Komodo.

Marine Protected Area: KK Gili Banta

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

The warmest water temperatures in Komodo occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 29.4°C
  • June: 28.9°C
  • July: 28.1°C
  • August: 27.9°C
  • September: 28.2°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Komodo

Nearest Dive Centres to ARDADELDALI

Marine Life in Komodo

Home to 220 recorded species including 95 reef fish, 92 hard corals, 13 seagrass & algae, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARDADELDALI

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories